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Amtrak allowing bicycles on ‘Capitol Limited’ route
For many people, especially the younger and fit, bikes and trains are a perfect fit. This will help solve the “last mile” problem for some.
Lots of good possibilities for biking along this route, especially that mentioned in the last paragraph. Let’s hope this service is successful and spurs bike-on-Amtrak service on other routes, as well.
As a life long rail traveler, proponent of rail travel and a cyclist who rides thousands of miles each year, I am delighted to see Amtrak finding a way to accommodate cyclist and their bicycles on more routes. If Amtrak can ever find the capacity to accommodate cyclist and their bikes on the North East Corridor I will be thrilled. I know that’s a long shot, no matter, I hope the Capital Limited venture is successful.
I rode trains in Switzerland that had an entire at dedicated to roll on bike service…
I took the Night Owl from GCT to Boston South Station back in the 1960’s. The ticket agent told me to roll my bike up to the baggage car where the attendant just rolled it in and told me to meet him at the baggage car in Boston. It didn’t cost me anything extra.
Cumberland’s platform ought to be soon awash in bikes. This is the junction of the C&O Canal towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage (old Western Maryland R-O-W) hike 'n bike paths. Both trailheads are just behind the old WM station, just a few short blocks from the current AmShack.
Very enjoyable to read so many positive comments for a change !! I really think Amtrak is trying hard to get it right !!
I can remember at 12 years old being at the Banff CP station waiting on the westbound Canadian and seeing a couple of possibly college age women having their bikes put on the baggage car of the eastbound Canadian. I heard one of them say they were going to Calgary. With this announcement, will any unstaffed stops like the one where I live get this service? When will other trains start allowing this service? After all I believe the majority of the new baggage cars have been delivered, if not all of them.
I know several people who have done that trail, but only wanted to go one direction, which leaves the problem of how you get to the trailhead or get home from the other end. Amtrak has finally solved that problem! (A few years too late for my friends, but I haven’t ridden it yet, and plenty more people will in the coming years.)
Just one thing to keep in mind. It’s mostly downhill East of the Pinkerton area on the WM trail, and ALL downhill along the canal !! (Going East, that is) Go For It !